I think the grumpy are much-maligned. Grinning inanely or seemingly having a constantly good time, is not necessarily a marker of true happiness or contentedness. These latter states of being are more indicative of low stress levels and an Epicurean ideal of ataraxia. Being only happy could even be a type of depression; a fixed state and denying the experience of variable and fluctuating emotions. Or of mania.

What do you think? Should we pursue happiness? Is that realistic – or does questioning this appear to be a negative thought to you?

Happiness is Pleasure; all things are to be done for the sake of the pleasant feelings associated with them

False beliefs produce unnecessary pain; among them, that the gods will punish us and that death is something to be feared

There are necessary and unnecessary desires. Necessary desires, like desiring to be free from bodily pain, help in producing happiness, whereas unnecessary desires, like desiring a bigger car or a more luxurious meal, typically produce unhappiness

The aim is not the positive pursuit of pleasure but rather the absence of pain, a neutral state he calls “ataraxia,” which is freedom from all worry, often translated simply as “inner tranquility.”

This state of ataraxia can be achieved through philosophical contemplation rather than through pursuit of crass physical pleasures

Happiness is not a private affair: it can be more readily achieved in a society where like-minded individuals band together to help inspire one another’s pursuit of happiness